Man Utd reappoints Pinsents as part of panel review

Manchester United FC is in the process of reviewing its five-strong legal panel, with Pinsent Masons already reappointed.

The club brought in its first panel in 2008, appointing five firms for a two-year period. Further announcements on other appointments are expected in the coming weeks.

Other firms on the original panel include Brabners Chaffe Street, which has a longstanding relationship with the club, led by senior partner Maurice Watkins, while Beachcroft, Halliwells and Wiggin complete the list, with Allen & Overy continuing to advise Man Utd on corporate finance matters without being on the panel.

All existing panel firms are thought to have tendered for the revamped panel. Sources familiar with the situation also claim that DWF may have bid for a place. DWF commercial partner Craig Chaplin left Halliwells last year, having been instrumental in winning his old firm a role with the club.

Halliwells litigation partner Julian Diaz Rainey and IP partner John Burns currently lead the relationship, with the firm chiefly advising on IT and commercial matters. Both partners could move to HBJ Gateley Wareing if a proposed deal for the national firm to take over part of Halliwells’ Manchester office goes ahead.

Beachcroft currently advises the club on employment work, with Wiggin responsible for media law advice.

Pinsents was originally appointed to advise primarily on data protection issues, but is understood to now have an increased role.

Pinsents relationship partner Rosemary Jay said: “We’re excited by the opportunities that will arise now we can extend the scope of the relationship.”